Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger will be available for their Champions League quarter-final showdown against Arsenal, after escaping suspensions over controversial celebrations in their last-16 win against Atletico Madrid.
UEFA Hands Fines, Not Bans
Following a disciplinary review, UEFA opted for fines over bans, issuing:
- €40,000 fine for Rudiger
- €30,000 fine for Mbappe
- €20,000 fine for Dani Ceballos
- No punishment for Vinicius Junior
The punishments stem from their wild post-match celebrations at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Rudiger was seen making a slit-throat gesture, and Mbappe grabbed his crotch — both acts caught on camera.
Precedent Saves the Day
According to Marca, a 2019 case involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Simeone likely influenced UEFA’s decision. Both were fined €20,000 for similarly obscene gestures during a Juve-Atletico clash and avoided bans — a precedent now seemingly extended to Mbappe and Rudiger.
Madrid’s Road Ahead
- 🏆 Next in La Liga: Real Madrid face Valencia on Saturday
- ⚔️ Champions League: Clash with Arsenal in the quarter-final first leg on Tuesday
Madrid fans can breathe easy knowing their big guns will be locked and loaded for Arsenal. But UEFA’s soft penalties may spark debates over double standards in player discipline.
